Looking for safer alternatives to chemical-laden cleaning methods? Try a variety of green cleaning products to keep your home toxin-free.

Fortunately, there are lots of options for people who would like to reduce or eliminate toxins from their cleaning products. Home-made products can be created with inexpensive ingredients you probably already have. Here are some ideas to get you started:

To clean the microwave, heat a bowl of water and lemon slices in your microwave for about 45 seconds, then wipe. Stains will be easier to remove and old food odors will be neutralized.

Rub lemon juice into your wooden chopping board, leave over-night, and then rinse. Wood chopping boards appear to have anti-bacterial properties anyway, but the lemon will help kill off any remaining germs plus neutralize odors.

Anti-bacterial spray can be made from water and pure essential lavender oil. Mix 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon lavender oil in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray and wait 15 minutes before wiping or don’t rinse at all.

For a natural pet shampoo, Mix 2 cups warm water, 2 teaspoons liquid castile soap, 2 tablespoons pure aloe-vera gel, and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake to blend. Wet your pet’s coat, and then work in shampoo a few tablespoons at a time, lathering as you go. Rinse thoroughly and dry.